Gala 2026

Both events celebrate South Carolina State University’s proud 130-year history and commitment to student achievement. The Foundation’s Thirty-Fifth Annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute, held in Charleston, continues a long-standing tradition of raising funds for the General Scholarship Fund, which provides direct, need-based aid to deserving students.

The University’s Garnet & Blue Extravaganza, hosted in Orangeburg, serves as the cornerstone of the University’s 130th Anniversary Celebration, with a goal of raising $1.3 million for student scholarships. Together, these events reflect one mission, advancing opportunity through education.

This is a milestone year for SC State. The Foundation’s  Scholarship Gala and Tribute, taking place in Charleston, honors a 35-year tradition of donor recognition and scholarship support, while the University’s Garnet & Blue Extravaganza serves as a capstone anniversary event in Orangeburg. Each reaches different audiences and offers unique ways to celebrate and contribute, expanding the overall reach and impact of our fundraising efforts.

The Foundation and the University work collaboratively to advance shared goals around student scholarships and institutional growth. While the Foundation and University each manage their respective events, both are aligned under a unified purpose: ensuring that financial need never stands in the way of opportunity for SC State students. The Foundation proudly supports the University’s 130th Anniversary efforts and celebrates the continued partnership between the two entities.

Both events support student scholarships, but through different funding streams. The Foundation’s Scholarship Gala directly benefits the Gala Scholarship Fund, which provides need-based financial assistance to students across all academic disciplines. The University’s Garnet & Blue Extravaganza supports the 130th Anniversary Scholarship Initiative to award 130 students a $10,000 scholarship. Collectively, both efforts strengthen SC State’s capacity to recruit, retain, and graduate deserving students.

Absolutely. Each event offers a distinct and meaningful experience. The Scholarship Gala and Tribute provides an elegant evening celebrating philanthropy and student achievement, while the Orangeburg event will mark a historic moment on campus, celebrating 130 years of excellence, leadership, and Bulldog pride. Attending or supporting both is an extraordinary way to honor SC State’s legacy and invest in its future.

Donor intent and transparency are central to both the University’s and the Foundation’s operations. Donors are encouraged to make contributions through the SCSU Foundation website or by contacting the Foundation or the University’s Advancement Office directly.

No. The Foundation and the University are strategic partners, not competitors. Both exist to serve the same mission, supporting SC State students and sustaining the University’s legacy of excellence. By hosting complementary events in different locations, the Foundation and University together broaden engagement, deepen donor relationships, and create multiple avenues for giving.

That South Carolina State University’s 130th Anniversary is a celebration of unity, legacy, and progress. Whether through the Foundation’s Scholarship Gala and Tribute in Charleston or the University’s Garnet & Blue Extravaganza in Orangeburg, every contribution represents a shared commitment to the next generation of Bulldog scholars. Together, we are honoring our past, strengthening our present, and building a future defined by opportunity and excellence.